The Most Famous Video Game Character Ever?

Ever wondered how many games Mario has been in? If you’re here on Mario Game Download then you already know that Mario is the most popular video game character on the planet. Would you be surprised to learn that the Super Mario franchise is worth over $10 billion USD? Maybe not, and especially not when you realize the sheer number of games that the character has featured in.

Most people are familiar with the classics. Games like Super Mario Bros, Super Mario World, Mario Kart, and Super Mario 64 are games that many of us grew up playing. Some of us even grew up and kept playing them! Not every Mario appearance is part of a high profile release, but these appearances do prove the widespread influence and power that Super Mario commands in the gaming industry.

Hotel Mario

Do you remember the Philips CD-I? Not many people do. This hybrid device incorporated elements of a game console, along with an advanced CD/Karaoke player. Nintendo rarely licenses its franchises to other companies, especially console manufacturers, but the CD-I had just one game; Hotel Mario.

NBA Street 2003

Mario playing basketball? Why not! This EA game from 2005 was released on the PlayStation 2, GameCube and Xbox. Nintendo’s GameCube had exclusive content that allowed you to ball with Mario, Luigi, and even Princess Peach. All were playable characters.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

What happens when you combine two of the most popular video game characters of all time? This game, apparently. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games was developed by SEGA, and is interesting because continued the fierce rivalry that these two characters had during the 1990s. There are playable characters from both Nintendo and Sega as you go for gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Surprised by any of the releases? In addition to these games featuring Mario, there are over 180 more. Games range from Japanese-only cell phone games, to region specific releases, and even the classics that the world loves.